Change in Nail Colour
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Yellow nails
Discoloration of the nails
The nail has a black streak
Ingrown nails
Spots on the nails
Pus on the fingernail
Red and swollen nails
Toenail color change
My nails are a weird color
Nails turn yellow
About the Symptom
Nails can change colors under many normal circumstances, eg; with cold weather some nails can change temporarily to white/blue/red. There are many conditions where the nails can change color for a longer period of time. Trauma can cause bleeding under the nails which causes a purple brown discoloration. Fungus of the nail can cause yellowing of the nail. Brown lines can develop on nails - on a single nail or multiple nails.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Edema
- Erythema
Possible Causes
Generally, Change in nail colour can be related to:
- Onychogryphosis
This condition causes the affected nail to thicken, elongate, and curve with a yellow-brown color. It is more common in older adults. The cause is not clear.
- Ingrown Toenail
A condition where the corner of a toenail curves and grows into the skin, causing pain and swelling. Risk factors include obesity, small-sized shoes, and cutting the nails incorrectly.
- Subungual Bleeding
This is a purple discoloration of the nails resulting from bleeding under the nail. It is caused by direct trauma. The purple discoloration is often mixed with brown discoloration with time, like a bruise.
- Onycholysis
- Chloronychia (Green Nail Syndrome)
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Polymyositis / Dermatomyositis
- Spoon Nails (Koilonychia)
- Subungual Exostosis
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Change in nail colour may be related to these serious diseases:
- Fusariosis
Fusariosis refers to a range of infections in humans caused by a fungus from the Fusarium species. These infections can be either locally invasive or widespread in the body. People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Did your nail color change?
- How has the change in nail color evolved?
- How long have you had the change in nail color?
- Have you had changes in nail color before?
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Lee DK, Lipner SR. Optimal diagnosis and management of common nail disorders. Ann Med. 2022 Dec;54(1):694-712. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2044511. PMID: 35238267; PMCID: PMC8896184.